OROVILLE — The Feather River Recreation and Park District board of directors voted unanimously Tuesday night to send out requests for proposals for parks maintenance and janitorial services, though some directors voiced reluctance.

General Manager Ann Willmann developed the documents and sought the board's direction Tuesday.

Director Marcia Carter favored sending out the requests.

"I don't know if it's financially feasible for us to do this or (do it) in-house," she said. "The only way we'll find out is to send these out."

Carter later said she wanted to move forward because of complaints she's heard about conditions of the bathrooms and parks.

She also said the cost of maintaining the parks is more than $492,000 a year, and questioned whether the district is really "getting the bang for our buck."

Director Don Noble voiced concern that the documents were too complex and the district was micromanaging. "I'm not so sure it's making it simpler," he said.

Willmann said she doesn't think this is the right time to seek contractors because a lot still has to be accomplished in the district, both fiscally and regarding the Activity Center. She asked the board to wait until the end of the calendar year to proceed.

She added that contracting won't mean getting rid of the district's park staff. Also, the district will have to begin hiring part-time staff soon for the summer.

Board President Victoria Coots said she's for anything to save money and improve the parks and recreation, but she wanted to "tread lightly and start out small." Noble agreed.

Most people from the community who spoke supported issuing the requests.

Ron Strong pointed out maintenance has been lousy for a year, garbage hasn't been picked up at the dog park in a long time, and one park area still has dead trees that have been down for two years.

"This thing of going to the end of the year is hogwash," Strong said. "Let's get someone in there to do it right."

Virgle Gage added the longer they put it off, the worse things will get.

He also said the board needs to get the requests out to contractors because otherwise, they're just guessing about whether the district will save money.

Eventually the board voted and agreed to move ahead with issuing the requests for proposals.

The requests for bids will be released Friday. Bids will be open until March 3 and brought back to the board for discussion March 11.